Preparing for the arrival of a newborn is not easy by any means. I read quite a lot on it and talked to my friends. I don't know how many times I made my baby items list and still I will forget something or the other. I am assuming many new moms will be facing the same dilema. So here I am posting my final baby items list. I hope it helps someone. If you live in the States then I suggest buying items from Amazon.com, you can register yourself as Amazon mom which gives you free Prime membership for some months and returns are a breeze. You even get 365 day return policy on some items. I love Amazon.com and their customer service. Have fun shopping!
Things to buy for a newborn:
Clothing
- 5-6 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
- 5-6 one-piece comfy cotton sleepers
- 2-3 newborn caps / hats
- 2 pairs of mittens so baby cannot scratch his face
- 2 cotton cardigans or jackets, more may be needed for winter weather
- Laundry detergent for infants
- Going Home Outfit - a layette set is a good option
Blankets
- 2-3 blankets
- Approx. 6-8 receiving blankets used for swaddling the baby (they also make handy burp cloths)
Feeding
- Burp cloths
- Some Bibs
- Breast pump if breastfeeding - I found this very helpful as I could pump for one-two feeds so someone else could feed the baby and I could sleep
- Milk storage containers - I like Medela storage and feeding bottles
- Bottle and nipple brush - must have
- Bottle drying rack - very useful I think. I have one and I keep it inside a cabinet so no dust accumulates on it
- Nursing pillow - extremely helpful else too much stress on your back
- Nursing bras (if buying before baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size and buy when you are in 9th month)
- Breast pads (disposable ones and this is a must have to save your own clothes)
- Lotion for sore nipples - choose an organic one that has calendula in it (very soothing)
- Bottles if you will be feeding formula - I love Dr. Brown bottles (I will tell you why in my next post)
Diapering
- Changing pad (some people just use the one that comes with a diaper bag)
- Diaper cream - I like Baby Balm or Coconut oil instead of zinc oxide creams as zinc oxide has harmful affects in the long run
- Disposable wipes - I buy Pampers sensitive wipes. Huggies are useless as they tear apart very easily
- 2 packs of newborn-size diapers (it’s better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is big or grows quickly) - I like Pampers swaddlers sensitive
- Diaper Bag - must have
Bathtime
- 1 plastic bathtub
- 1 pack of washcloths - do check the video of how to bathe a baby on babycenter.com
- Baby soap or cleanser - I like Mustela baby bath products
- Baby shampoo
- Baby soft-bristled hair brush or comb
- 2 soft-hooded towels
- Baby Cream or Lotion - I like Aveeno Baby moisturizing cream or coconut oil
- Baby Oil - I use coconut or almond oil. I hate Johnsons products, they are useless chemicals
Bedtime
- Crib or Bassinet
- If using a crib then crib mattress
- Waterproof mat or sheet
- Fitted crib sheets or take a crib bedding set
- Sleep sack - I have been using Halo micro fleece sleep sack from past 9 months and my baby sleeps very comfortably in it
Other necessities
- Approved infant Car Seat
- Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat - better to take car seat and stroller package
- Nail clipper
- Baby thermometer
- Dropper or medicine spoon
- Medication in case of fever - infant tylenol
Nice-to-have items
- Change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)
- Playpen
- Sling or baby carrier - Baby Bjorn is great
- 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use them)
- Rattles and other baby toys like musical chimes
- Night light - choose a cool white LED light that can stay on for whole night so you don’t have to fiddle with light switch when it’s feeding time
- Baby monitor
- Baby Swing
- Baby Rocker or Bouncer
